Hilary Clinton recovering from concussion

Dec. 15, 2012
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Hillary Rodham Clinton / Johannes Simon, Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, already ill with a virus, is now recovering from a concussion sustained after fainting, her office said Saturday.

Clinton "will continue to be monitored regularly by her doctors," said a statement from spokesman Philippe Reines.

"At their recommendation," Reines added, "she will continue to work from home next week, staying in regular contact with department and other officials. She is looking forward to being back in the office soon."

In explaining her injury, Reines said: "While suffering from a stomach virus, Secretary Clinton became dehydrated and fainted, sustaining a concussion."

The virus had forced Clinton to skip a planned trip this week to North Africa and the Persian Gulf.

Clinton, 65, is expected to announce her retirement from the State Department soon.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is one possible replacement for Clinton.

Another candidate - United Nations ambassador Susan Rice - said Thursday she would not seek the position in the wake of Republican criticism over statements she made after the Sept. 11 attack on a U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya

The Associated Press, citing unnamed aides, reported that Clinton is not expected to testify at a Thursday congressional hearing on the Benghazi attack that killed four Americans.